The
Zanskar range
begins near the Nanga-Parbat (8125m.) Massif and continues parallel to the
Ladakh range right to the Rupshu plains. The width of Zanskar range can be
gauged from the fact that Lachulang-La and Taglang –La (17479ft, 5240m.) (Both
passes on 2nd highest motor able road of the world) lies on this range,
beginning close to Nanga-Parbat and continuing range in the World. This less
frequented but wonderful route leads through varied landscapes.

Setting
off our journey form Manali on
our 18 days trek, we cross Rohtang-La (3978m.) pass to Darcha. We start with a
rugged climb, while crossing the Baralacha-la (4890m.) and Morang-la (5300m) we
arrive Rupshu region. From Dat we approach to the high Tibet plateau
(Chang-Thang) around 4000 nomads live in the Rupshu plain, with their flocks of
sheep for summer grazing. Arriving finally at Hemis, after crossing Kongmaru-la
(5150m.), we visit the Hemis monastery, which is biggest and richest in Ladakh.
Monastery has larges Thanka (scroll painting) of the World.

Now valley widen into high pasture
ground. Easy and moderate walking along the Yunam River. 5000 to 6000 metres
peaks can visible if weather permits. Shepherds huts can be both sides of
river, now further 1 ½ hour will take you to Sarchu bridge. Good campsite.

Day 06: Brandy Nallah – Takh

Now
after crossing Sarchu Bridge one
enter in Ladakh region. A short distance beyond river to be cross. By the
evening arrive at Takh campsite.

Day
07: Takh – Morang la (5300m.) - Daktao

Today long ascent towards Morang la
5,300m. Reaching the top gradual descent on a will kept trail. Pass the entire
valley on right then come to a beautiful plateau. Take a good path, which
leaves the river down to the right; lastly arrive at the campsite of Daktao.

Day 08: Daktao - Yabook

From, camp trek on the right bank until
reaching Lun (Lun a village fields). Further cross a valley on the right then
on 1-½ hours to north. Continue following the same valley reach Yabook, a
village populated by Tibetan nomads, wonderful campsite with several low
stonewalls.

Day 09: Yabook – Lungmo Che (4550m)

Today gradual walking towards Sangtha
village though not much water and pasture on the way. Now go to a right hand
valley. Ascent along the right river to arrive Lungmo Che (summer village).

Day 10: Lungmo Che – Yar La (4200m.) -
Dat

From Lungmo-Che gradual climb for 2
hours to Yar la 4960m. From the pass fantastic and wonderful view of the Rupshu
region. Now ascent towards foot of pass. Passing through Dango village, finally
arrive Dat (4200m.) A Gelukpa monastery can be visited in Dat.

Yar La

Day 11: Dat - Sorra (4200m.) 5 hours

Now
valley becomes very broad and
passes in front of several Chortens (Stupas) and Manis (stone carved with hyms
of (OM MANI PADME HUM). Now leave a valley on the left to go Sorra. Before
cross the Sorra Chu at junction, Sorra Chu and Dat Chu makes up the Chang Chu
which flows later in Zanskar River. After crossing wonderful woody gorges
arrive at the campsite of Sorra.

From the camp treks Lang thang
Chu deep
in the valley. Now the trek is in Hemis high altitude national park. National
park an area of 3350 sq km.inhabits number of species of wild animals, like
Ibex (Capra sibirica), Snow Leopard (Panthra uncia), Blue sheep, Ladakh Urial,
Giant Sheep, Wild Dog, Marmots, Golden Eagle, Partridge and Bearded vulture.
Camp near stream.

Day 14: Trek to Nimaling (5000m.)

Now
path is well marked, ascent along
the stream for few minute. Pass through a small lake, cross pasture arrive at
Nimaling (5000m.).It is most beautiful valley in Ladakh region and Kang Gyatse
(6400m.) Dominates the valley. Several difficult routes leas to summit but
climbing through west part is not difficult with crampons ice axe. Beautiful
campsite at Nimaling.

Day 15: Full day rest and relax. Sight
seeing to Kang Gyatse Lake.

Day 16: Trek to Kongmaru la (5150m) –
Shang Sumdo

From camp zigzag climb to Kongmaru la
(5150m.). For 1 ½ hour. Crossing pass steep descent up to 4700m. Then along the
stream for 3 hours in gorge. Leave the gorge and continue walking in the left
bank to Chukirmo. Now valley becomes broad easy descent along the river till
Shang sumdo. Shang monastery I hour from camp.

Day 17: Drive to Hemis - Leh

Again walking in riverbed, from
camp
Cross River by ford then walk on right bank on good path. Crossing River again,
walks through left side. Now path is suitable for vehicles. Passing a small
house arrive Martselang. Further on left side a series of big Chortens and
Manis. Passing through it gentle climb to arrive Hemis. Hemis monastery is
biggest and richest in Ladakh region. Monastery has biggest Thanka (scroll
painting) of the world. Drive to Leh. Visit eventually Thiksey & Shey
monasteries and transfer to Hotel.

Day 18: Sight-seeing in around
Leh.

Sight-seeing in and around Leh.
Visiting Sankar Gompa, Leh bazaar, Phyang & Spituk, and witness a culture
program in the evening.